Last Chance To Snap Up A New Pick-Up Under Lower Tax Rate
There are just a few more weeks to bag yourself a potential bargain on a brand-new pick-up truck before such vehicles are subject to a tax rate reclassification by HMRC from April 2025.
The new regulations will see all Double-Cab Pick-Up vehicles be reclassified as cars, a change in purpose that will subsequently result in models coming under a new tax rate umbrella.
What Are The Current Pick-Up Tax Rules?
Under the current classification, Double-Cab Pick Ups are considered only for their payload capacity – anything 999kg and under is considered a car and therefore taxed as one. Pick-ups of any body style with a 1000kg payload capacity is considered a vehicle used for commercial purposes.
What Will Change?
From April 2025, the above will no longer apply with the payload capacity measure scrapped in favour of a new tax classification measured on the number of seats in any vehicle.
Double-Cab Pick-Up vehicles will be subject to BIK (Benefit-In-Kind) tax rate change using a figure based on CO2 emissions, like a standard company car. As these models generate higher emissions than most vehicles, taxpayers could be paying out up to £800 a year more on their car tax.
It should also be noted that the new rules apply to Extended-Cab Pick-Up vehicles too, models with a hinged opening to a seated rear compartment behind the front doors.
What Will Stay The Same?
Single Cab Pick-Up models – those with two seats only – will continue to be classified as used primarily as commercial vehicles and therefore the tax rates will remain at the LCV fixed rate.
When Is The Pick-Up Tax Change?
From 6 April 2025. In the run up to 5 April 2025, the lower taxable benefit rate remains in place until disposal, lease end or 5 April 2029, whichever comes soonest.
What Can I Do About It?
You still have time to take advantage of the current more lenient tax regulations for pick-ups with any order submitted before 6 April 2025 swerving the incoming changes.
Buying a new Double-Cab Pick-Up before the deadline could make a huge difference to your running costs – saving you hundreds of pounds annually, in fact.
If you don’t want to get caught out by the changes, Vansdirect has a broad range of high-quality options available for your consideration right now.
2025 Pick-Up Truck Offers On Vansdirect
Ford Ranger Double Cab Pick-Up
With a broad range of different body styles and powertrain options, it is little wonder the Ford Ranger holds command as Europe’s best-selling pick-up truck.
As a Double-Cab, the Ranger is available in eight different trim options; XL, XLT, Tremor, Wildtrak, Wildtrak X, Platinum, MS-RT and Raptor. All models come with an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.1-inch infotainment central touchscreen, pre-collision assist, far-side airbag and rearview camera with parking sensors.
Under the bonnet, there is the choice of a 168bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel with a six-speed manual gearbox (XL and XLT) or 203bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel with a ten-speed automatic transmission (Tremor, Wildtrak and Wildtrak X), plus a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with a ten-speed automatic (Wildtrak, Platinum). Alternatively, choose the Ford Ranger Raptor and you’ll get the option of a fire-breathing 290bhp 3.0-litre petrol V6 engine.
Payload is 1000kg, towing capacity is 3500kg and the length of the cargo bay is 1564mm
A capable, hardy, well-proven pick-up chosen by tens of thousands of people every year, the Ford Ranger offers an excellent blend of attributes to appeal as both a commercial asset or a private family vehicle.
It should also be noted that the Ford Ranger is also available as a Single-Cab with two seats, which means this model will continue to be classified as a commercial vehicle and therefore isn’t subject to the incoming tax rate increase.
Isuzu D-Max Double Cab Pick-Up
The Isuzu D-Max has become a mainstay of the Double-Cab Pick-Up market with the Japanese manufacturer’s expertise in the heavy-duty and commercial vehicle sector endowing its sole UK offering with a variety of talents.
As a dedicated commercial vehicle brand in the UK, Isuzu offers the D-Max in a variety of trims that cover the business spectrum. The base D-Max Utility can be specified as a Single Cab – which is exempt from changes to the tax benefit rules – or as an Extended or Double Cab, which aren’t exempt.
All body styles are equipped with the single option of a 1.9-litre turbodiesel generating 162bhp, while the D-Max range is broken down into four trims – Utility, DL20, DL40 and V-Cross.
Renowned for unbeatable off-road ability, the D-Max is equipped with myriad features to tackle the toughest tasks, including Advanced Driver Assist Systems, Rough Terrain Mode (4x4 models), tyre pressure monitoring system, cruise control, hill start/descent control and reversing camera.
Payload is 1100-1250kg, towing capacity is 3500kg and the length of the cargo bay is 1785mm (Extended)/1520mm (Double-Cab)
KGM Musso Double Cab Pick-Up
Unlike other models in the pick-up segment, the KGM Musso – which is available only in Double-Cab trim – is derived from an SUV model in the South Korean firm’s line-up, in this case the Rexton.
As a model that is known for its immense towing capabilities and off-road strengths, it is little surprise the KGM Musso reflects similar attributes to prove very capable in the rough stuff and haul a large payload.
The single option of a 2.2-litre diesel producing 199bhp and 400Nm of torque is diversified by the choice of four different trim levels – base EX, Rebel, Saracen and fully-loaded Saracen+.
Rugged on the outside and – following a recent update – equipped with a contemporary, well-appointed interior, the KGM Musso is a pick-up with a bit of panache.
Payload is 1024kg, towing capacity is 3200kg and the length of the cargo bay is 1300mm
Toyota Hilux Double Cab Pick-Up
If you’re seeking true go-anywhere ability, you’ll be hard pressed to find a pick-up with such an esteemed legacy as the Toyota Hilux.
Renowned the world over for being able to tackle the roughest terrains without going wrong, while today’s Toyota Hilux is certainly more upmarket than its utilitarian predecessors, its recent dominance of the gruelling Dakar Rally proves it remains a trustworthy pick-up choice.
A recent glow-up has seen the Hilux gain a tough, sporty exterior, while the well-equipped interior is ergonomic and solidly constructed.
Two trim levels – Invincible and Invincible X - are available with two engine options – a 2.4-litre turbodiesel generating 148bhp and 400Nm of torque, or a 2.8-litre turbodiesel producing 201bhp and 500Nm of torque.
The Hilux can also be specified in Active trim, which is available as an Extended Cab.
Payload is 1010-1025kg, towing capacity is 3500kg and the length of the cargo bay is 1840mm (Double Cab)/1555mm (Extended).
Volkswagen Amarok Double Cab Pick-Up
A relative newcomer to the pick-up segment, the Volkswagen Amarok nonetheless builds on the German marque’s historic reputation as commercial vehicle experts, all wrapped in VW’s inimitable rugged design language.
Based on the same platform as the Ford Ranger, the Amarok offers identical engine choices; 168bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel, 203bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and a 238bhp 3.0-litre turbodiesel.
Four trim levels are on offer – Life, Style, PanAmericana and Aventura – with even the base versions featuring alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, 10-inch infotainment system, lane assist, rearview camera and adaptive cruise control.
Payload is up to 1052kg, towing capacity is 3420kg and the length of the cargo bay is 1624mm
